Collibra, an enterprise AI control plane, announced in an October 5 release that it had acquired Munich-based AI governance company trail ML to help enterprises automate AI governance and enforce controls as AI systems and agents interact with data, systems and tools. 

The acquisition combines Collibra’s enterprise data and AI governance capabilities with trail ML’s tools for analyzing AI systems, identifying applicable requirements, assessing controls and automating governance workflows. 

The companies said the combined platform will support continuous assessment rather than relying on point-in-time governance reviews.

AI Governance Moves Into Runtime

For chief data officers (CDOs), the acquisition reflects a shift toward governing AI throughout its operation rather than primarily assessing systems before deployment. trail ML’s technology can reassess controls and enforce policies where AI agents operate.

That matters as agents gain access to enterprise data and systems. Governance teams need visibility into which requirements apply to each AI system, whether controls are working and what happens when an agent attempts an action outside those controls.

Collibra said the combined capabilities can support governance across data, models, applications and agents. The approach aligns with the broader need for AI governance processes that establish clear controls and accountability as AI moves into production.